Methods and apparatus for a self contained expandable pet carrier

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides methods and apparatus to support transport of a pet in a self-contained expandable carrier. In some examples, the carrier may be worn by a user to support the pet in a proximate location. A pet carrier which may be worn may provide comfort to pet owners while they travel.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus to supporttransport of an animal/pet in a self-contained expandable carrier. Thecarrier may be worn by a user to support the pet in a proximatelocation.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 (ACAA) allowed people with physicaland/or mental issues to travel with animals. However, until thisinvention, no manner of organizing, safely displaying the animal,embarking and disembarking safely and quickly, etc. among the variousforms to travel; no passenger, no animal, no mode of transport has beenuniform until this invention. Additionally, there are many reasons thatpeople travel with their pets from comfort to medical reasons. Medicalresearch indicates numerous benefits to various types of people. Forexample, numerous people with anxiety find comfort in the presence ofpets. Travelling, in general, is stressful and in various cases mayaggravate conditions. Nevertheless, it can be quite difficult to travelwith pets. There are aspects of lack of comfort for the animal, thetraveler, other passengers' near the animal, assisting workers on thevehicle, and other parties involved. Furthermore, transport of animalcan create issues for the travel environment including; but not limitedto, transmission of odors, allergens and noises. As well, there may besecurity and safety issues. Security officers need easy means to inspecta pet/animal environment and pet/animal when it is travelling with aperson. Accordingly a pet carrier that facilitates the ability of aperson to travel with their pet while dealing with the various issuesthat may arise is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Accordingly, the present invention provides an apparatus that supportstravel of a user with a contained animal that is within an animalcarrier that is worn by a user. In some examples an animal transportapparatus may be formed with numerous functions and components. Theanimal transport apparatus may include a chamber for a primarycontainment of a pet; at least a first strap to hold the chamber againsta user's body; a viewport, wherein the viewport is mounted on thechamber to allow a user to view within the chamber; a replaceable petsupport pad, wherein the support pad provides a comfortable location forthe pet to reside, and wherein the support pad includes absorbentmaterial capable to absorb odors and allergens from the pet; and whereinthe animal transport apparatus is worn on the user's body. The animaltransport apparatus may be strapped onto the user. In some examples, asingle strap may be used. In other examples two straps may be used. Ineach of these examples, there may also be a belt strap that may be usedto support the weight of the animal transport apparatus; for includingand not limited to, support, fashion, identify a type of animal and.

The animal transport apparatus may also comprise an expandable petcompartment wherein the expandable pet compartment is opened and placedat a location remote from the chamber.

The animal transport apparatus may also include the expandable petcompartment wherein the expandable pet compartment may be detached fromthe chamber. The expandable pet compartment may also comprise anaccordion component which is stretched to move the expandable petcompartment.

In some examples, the animal transport apparatus may also comprise anaccess port. In some examples, the access port may be located on theside of the chamber.

The animal transport apparatus may comprise a HEPA filter. The HEPAfilters may be useful for allow air to exchange into the pet carrierwhile not allowing odors and allergens to escape the animal transportapparatus into the travel environment.

The animal transport apparatus may comprise a color coded tag, whereinthe color code indicates the nature of the animal contained in theanimal transport apparatus. In a similar example, the animal transportapparatus may comprise a letter tag, wherein the letter tag indicatesthe animal contained. In some examples, the tag may indicate a pictureof the animal.

The animal transport apparatus may comprise numerous attachment, andpockets to support the animal transport. In some examples, a pocket orpouch may be used to carry bags of food and/or water bowl stored in theanimal transport carrier. In other examples, a pouch or pocket may storebags for storage of excrement of the animal.

The animal transport apparatus may be made from materials which arechosen to be fire retardant. A fire retardant material will add to asafety factor in an aircraft or other carrier and also be useful in thecase of rescue workers carrying animals, wherein the device according tothe present invention allows for two arms and hands to be free to beused during the rescue while the animal is contained within the animaltransport carrier. A fire retardant quality of the material making upthe animal transport carrier protects the animal from adverse conditionsduring the rescue, such as flames. In addition, a HEPA filter may assistin filtering out smoke particles during the rescue. In some examples,these materials may also be washable. In still other examples, theinside of the animal transport apparatus may include a removable and/orreplaceable internal liner.

The animal transport apparatus may also include a luggage option thatmay be used to carry packed items. In some examples, the packed itemsmay be of the user. In other examples, the packed items may be of theanimal being transported. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising analarm.

The various apparatus of the invention may be used in various manners.In some examples, the animal transport apparatus may be used in a methodof comforting a patient with distress while travelling. An animal,usually a pet of the traveler may be placed into the various designs ofanimal transport apparatus has have been described. The patient may wearthe animal transport apparatus and board a means of travel. The ownerand other people may be able to observe the pet through a view port. Inother examples, the animal owner may be able to pet the animal through aport.

The various apparatus of the invention may be used to support a methodfor transporting an animal. A user of the animal transport apparatus mayobtain the animal transport apparatus which may contain some or all ofthe various components as have been described. The user may place ananimal into the apparatus and then board the means of travel. In someexamples the means of travel may involve an airplane, a car, a bus, atrain, a boat or other means of travel including a common carrier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS: INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO

The accompanying drawings, that are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of thedisclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the disclosure:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary side view and a cross sectioned sideview of a self-contained expandable pet carrier.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary front view of a self-containedexpandable pet carrier with an indication of a pet's locationillustrated.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a self-containedexpandable pet carrier.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary side view with air source.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative exemplary front view of aself-contained expandable pet carrier with an indication of a pet'slocation illustrated.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a self-containedexpandable pet carrier with an expansion chamber for the pet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides generally for apparatus of aself-contained expandable pet carrier. According to the presentdisclosure, the self-contained expandable pet carrier may provide anovel solution to traveling with pets that may allow a pet owner to keeptheir pet with them, and may be safer and more comfortable for the petsthemselves.

In the following sections, detailed descriptions of examples and methodsof the disclosure will be given. The description of both preferred andalternative examples though through are exemplary only, and it isunderstood that to those skilled in the art that variations,modifications, and alterations may be apparent. It is therefore to beunderstood that the examples do not limit the broadness of the aspectsof the underlying disclosure as defined by the claims.

There may be numerous reasons for a person to have a companion pet. Insome examples, a person may have a connections with their pet that makesthem want to travel with the pet in close proximity to them. In someexamples, the person may have a medical issue which is helped with thepresence of a pet. For example, pets have been observed to offer comfortfor people with any type of distress. The presence of a pet as acompanion may be necessary for a person to be able to complete travelplans. Therefore, an apparatus that allows the pet to travel in comfortalong with the traveler can allow the traveler to bring the pet in closeproximity to them even while they are travelling in such vehicles asairplanes, trains, boats, busses, cars and other means of travel, orother common carrier.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a side view of an exemplary self-containedexpandable pet carrier may be seen. The self-contained expandable petcarrier may have a support system 110, to hold the self-containedexpandable pet carrier securely on the pet owner's body, the supportsystem 110 may include shoulder straps 111, to support the carrier on anowner's torso. Additionally, the support system may include a waistsupport strap 112, to help distribute the weight of the carrier, whichmay make it easier for a pet owner to support the carrier, as it maykeep the carrier closer to the owner's body as well as distribute theload away from their shoulders. As a non-limiting example, theself-contained expandable pet carrier may be worn across an owner'sfront, as demonstrated in FIG. 1.

The self-contained expandable pet carrier may be constructed of variousmaterials for certain features, including but not limited to flameretardant materials, to protect a contained pet from the heat of a firein the event that a fire breaks out where the self-contained expandablepet carrier may be kept. The self-contained expandable pet carrier mayalso be constructed of materials that pertain to health related concernsstemming from the transportation of a pet 132.

These health related concerns may pertain to allergies, hazardousmaterials, and sanitation; as non-limiting examples. In some examples, amaterial for constructing the self-contained expandable pet carrier maybe impervious to allergens, such as dander, and may keep these containedwithin the self-contained expandable pet carrier, which may prevent themfrom being introduced to the environment and setting off allergies ofnearby individuals.

An additional non-limiting example may include materials that maycontain fluids, such as possible bodily waste that a contained pet 132may produce during their containment and travel. In some examples,adsorbent material, such as disposable pads may be included into the petcarrier and changed as needed.

An additional non-limiting example may include a material that may bestrong enough to resist piercing or scratching of the material by theclaws or teeth of a contained pet 132; this may not only increase thelife-span of the self-contained expandable pet carrier, but may alsoprevent a contained pet 132 from possibly scratching or bitingindividuals in the vicinity of the self-contained expandable petcarrier.

Again referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary self-contained expandable petcarrier may include side access ports 120. A pet owner may insert theirhands and arms into the side access ports 120 to access the central petcontainment compartment 130 without opening the self-containedexpandable pet carrier. Access to the contained pet 132 through the sideaccess ports 120 may be facilitated through a fully enclosed sleeve orconstricted closure that may prevent any allergens or other materialsfrom leaving the self-contained expandable pet carrier. The central petcontainment compartment 130 may contain a pet support pad 131.

The pet support pad 131 may encompass a supportive base for a pet 132that may be contained inside of the self-contained expandable petcarrier similar to the absorbent pads mentioned previously. The petsupport pad 131 may be removable and replaceable, in the case of damageor soiling. Additionally, the pet support pad 131 may be washable ordisposable, in the case of soiling, as non-limiting examples. A petsupport pad 131 or other type of liner, may additionally include atleast an area of highly absorbent material to mitigate any leakage ofpet body fluids from transferring from inside the carrier to asurrounding area. The surrounding area may include, for example, theclothing of a person wearing an animal transport carrier or an aircraftinterior. In addition to a central pet containment compartment 130, aself-contained expandable pet carrier may include an expansion chamber140 which includes compressible material 141. While compressed in acarry position, the compressible material 141 is secured. While expanded(as illustrated in FIG. 6) the compressible material provides a pathwayfor the pet to travel to a location on a floor while remaining fullycontained.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a front view of an exemplary self-containedexpandable pet carrier may be seen. In this front view, a contained pet132 may be seen inside of the self-contained expandable pet carrier. Atthe top of the self-contained expandable pet carrier, an airport 210 maybe seen. This air port 210 may allow air to move in and out of theself-contained expandable pet carrier, to allow the contained pet 132 tobreathe easily. The air port 210 may contain a HEPA filter, or otherpossible filter types that may allow for the passage of air through it,but may entrap allergens, scents, or other particulates that a containedpet 132 may produce, preventing them from being released into theenvironment around the self-contained expandable pet carrier. Air port210 filters may need to be replaced or cleaned at certain timefrequencies, depending on the type of filter and frequency of use of theself-contained expandable pet carrier.

Again referring to FIG. 2, a transparent viewing port 220 may be seen.The transparent viewing port 220 may be mounted at the top of theself-contained expandable pet carrier, to allow the owner to view thecontained pet 132 while the owner is still wearing the self-containedexpandable pet carrier. The transparent viewing port 220 may also letlight into the self-contained expandable pet carrier, which may allowthe contained pet 132 to see while they are contained, and may preventthem from being stuck in darkness. The transparent viewing port 220 maybe composed of rigid or flexible plastic materials, as a non-limitingexample. Viewing ports may be configured on various sides of the petcarrier in addition to the top viewing port, so that the animal may beviewed from various positions around the carrier. In some examples, theview port may be configured with closeable covers which may be zipperedinto place.

Now referring to FIG. 3, a rear view of an exemplary self-containedexpandable pet carrier may be seen. In this rear view, an exemplarysupport system 110 may be more closely seen. The combination of shoulderstraps 111 and waist support strap 112, making up the support system110, may allow for hands free operation of the self-contained expandablepet carrier, which may support up to 30 pounds of weight.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a close up side view of the self-containedexpandable pet carrier may be seen. The contained pet 132 may be seenwithin the carrier. The contained pet 132 may sit upon a pet support pad131. The side access port 120 may be observed and may act as a means forthe person carrying the pet to interact with the pet. As mentionedpreviously the sleeve may include a containment sheath that filters airso that allergens, smells and other aspects of a pet's environment arecontained within the carrier. The air port 210 again may allow air torefresh the air in the container while filtering said air from escapingthe carrier environment. A viewing port 220 is illustrate in the sideview and again allows a wearer to see their pet and allows the pet tosee the face of a wearer of the carrier. The side view furtherillustrates the expandable pet compartment.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an alternative front view of an exemplaryself-contained expandable pet carrier may be seen. The exemplaryself-contained expandable pet carrier shown possesses an alternativesupport system 110 with an alternative type cross strap 510. This crossstrap 510 may achieve the shoulder support necessary to allow an ownerto carry the self-contained expandable pet carrier, with only oneshoulder strap, as opposed to two. Additionally, an exemplaryself-contained expandable pet carrier may also possess a swaddled styleside strap 520. A swaddled style side strap 520 may comprise a longsection of cloth that wraps around an owner's waist, which may furthersecure the self-contained expandable pet carrier and help distribute itsweight.

Referring to FIG. 6, an extension of the expandable pet compartment isillustrated. In some examples, the expandable pet compartment mayinclude an expansion chamber 610 including an accordion type structure.As illustrated, an expansion of the expansion chamber 610 is sufficientto place the pet compartment 620 at a remote location, such as on afloor while the harness structure remains fixedly attached to the userstorso. In some specific embodiments, the expandable pet compartment 620may be placed under an airline seat directly forward of a user securedinto their seat while the harness remains fixedly attached to the userand the expansion change forms a tunnel like enclosure capable ofallowing the pet to traverse between the floor positon of the chamberand a lap position of the user. While remaining contained, the pet maybe able to move between the pet carrier to the expandable petcompartment on its own volition or be placed in one position or anotherby the user. As illustrated in FIG. 6, in a mass transport vehicle, suchas a train, bus or airplane, the expandable pet compartment 620 mayextend via the expansion chamber 610 to the floor in front of the seat.

In some examples, the pet compartment may be detachable and re-sealable.Thus a passenger may carry the pet in the carrier and then move the petinto the expandable pet compartment and then place the compartment(separated from the carrier) on to the floor in front of the seat, forcomfort. In some examples where the compartment detaches, the detachedcompartment may be configured to be locked into the seat belt of anadjacent travel seat which may be purchased by the traveler for the pet.

In some examples, the expandable pet carrier may be color coded invarious manners for identification of the type or identity of the petusing the carrier. The outside of the pet carrier may include a signidentifying the type of pet carried within. The design of the petcarrier may include various patterns or designs which may includerepresentations of dog, cats or other animals which may also include thetype of animal within the carrier.

The carrier may have numerous support aspects incorporated into the bodyof the pet carrier. In an example, the carrier may have pocketsspecially designed for pet food and beverages including water. An entirepouch may be configured to detach from the pet carrier and may contain awater bowl, food, and spare bags and wipes and towels.

In some examples, the pet carrier lining may be designed to bedetachable and separately washable. In some examples, the pet carriermay include an alarm system which may react under various scenariosincluding if the pet carrier is separated from the traveler by somedistance. In some examples, the pet carrier may include a detachablesection which may be used as a luggage compartment either for the pet orfor the traveler.

CONCLUSION

A number of embodiments of the present disclosure have been described.While this specification contains many specific implementation details,they should not be construed as limitations on the scope of anydisclosures or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions offeatures specific to particular embodiments of the present disclosure.While embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein by wayof example using several illustrative drawings, those skilled in the artwill recognize the present disclosure is not limited to the embodimentsor drawings described. It should be understood the drawings and thedetailed description thereto are not intended to limit the presentdisclosure to the form disclosed, but to the contrary, the presentdisclosure is to cover all modification, equivalents and alternativesfalling within the spirit and scope of embodiments of the presentdisclosure as defined by the appended claims.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and arenot meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or theclaims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in apermissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather thanthe mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words“include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limitedto. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used,where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-endedexpressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. Forexample, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at leastone of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B,or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and Btogether, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. Assuch, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can beused interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted the terms“comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably.

Certain features that are described in this specification in the contextof separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in asingle embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described inthe context of a single embodiment can also be implemented incombination in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitablesub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above asacting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, oneor more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excisedfrom the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Similarly, while method steps may be depicted in the drawings in aparticular order, this should not be understood as requiring that suchoperations be performed in the particular order shown or in a sequentialorder, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achievedesirable results.

Certain features that are described in this specification in the contextof separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in asingle embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described inthe context of a single embodiment can also be implemented incombination in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitablesub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above asacting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, oneor more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excisedfrom the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodimentsdescribed above should not be understood as requiring such separation inall embodiments, and it should be understood that the described programcomponents and systems can generally be integrated together in a singlesoftware product or packaged into multiple software products.

Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described.Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In somecases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a differentorder and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processesdepicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require theparticular order show, or sequential order, to achieve desirableresults. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallelprocessing may be advantageous. Nevertheless, it will be understood thatvarious modifications may be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the claimed disclosure.

In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may beadvantageous. Nevertheless, it will be understood that variousmodifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe claimed disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An animal transport apparatus comprising: aprimary chamber for a primary containment of a pet; a securing harnesscomprising at least a first strap to hold the primary chamber against atorso of a user's body; an expandable chamber providing a contained areaand configured to expand to a sufficient length such that the pet can bemoved from the primary chamber to a floor while the user is seatedupright in a chair, the primary chamber is secured to the torso of theuser using the securing harness, and the expandable chamber is connectedto the primary chamber; a viewport, wherein the viewport is mounted onthe chamber to allow a user to view within the chamber; a replaceablepet support pad, wherein the pet support pad provides a comfortablelocation for the pet to reside, and wherein the support pad includesabsorbent material capable to absorb odors and allergens from the pet;and wherein the animal transport apparatus is worn on the user's body.2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the expandable chamber is anexpandable pet compartment, and wherein the expandable pet compartmentis configured to be opened and placed at a location remote from theprimary chamber.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the expandable petcompartment may be detached from the primary chamber.
 4. The apparatusof claim 3 wherein the expandable pet compartment comprises an accordioncomponent which is stretched to move the expandable pet compartment. 5.The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising an access port.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 5 wherein the access port is located on a side of theprimary chamber.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a HEPAfilter.
 8. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a color codedtag, wherein the color coded tag indicates the type of animal containedin the animal transport apparatus.
 9. The apparatus of claim 5 furthercomprising bags of food stored in a pouch detachably connected to one orboth of: the primary chamber and the harness.
 10. The apparatus of claim5 further comprising a pouch to store bags for storage of excrement ofthe animal.
 11. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein a majority of theanimal transport apparatus comprises fire retardant material.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 5 further comprising a letter tag, wherein the lettertag indicates the animal contained.
 13. The apparatus of claim 5 furthercomprising a replaceable liner that is removable from the animaltransport apparatus.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising atleast a second strap.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising aluggage for travel items of the user.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1further comprising a luggage for travel items of the animal.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 1 further comprising an alarm.
 18. A method ofcomforting a patient with obsessive compulsive disorder whiletravelling, the method comprising: obtaining an animal transportapparatus comprising: a primary chamber for a primary containment of apet; at least a first strap to hold the primary chamber against a torsoof a user's body; an expandable chamber providing a contained area andconfigured to expand to a sufficient length such that the pet can bemoved from the primary chamber to a floor while the user is seatedupright in a chair, the primary chamber is secured to the torso of theuser using the first strap, and the expandable chamber is connected tothe primary chamber: a viewport, wherein the viewport is mounted on theprimary chamber to allow a user to view within the primary chamber; areplaceable pet support pad, wherein the support pad provides acomfortable location for the pet to reside, and wherein the support padincludes absorbent material capable to absorb odors and allergens fromthe pet; and wherein the animal transport apparatus is worn on theuser's body; placing an animal into the animal transport apparatus;boarding a vehicle of mass transit; and wherein the patient views theanimal through the view port and is comforted.
 19. A method fortransporting an animal, the method comprising: obtaining an animaltransport apparatus comprising: a primary chamber for a primarycontainment of a pet; at least a first strap to hold the primary chamberagainst a torso of a user's body; an expandable chamber providing acontained area and configured to expand to a sufficient length such thatthe pet can be moved from the primary chamber to a floor while the useris seated upright in a chair, the primary chamber is secured to thetorso of the user using the first strap, and the expandable chamber isconnected to the primary chamber: a viewport, wherein the viewport ismounted on the primary chamber to allow a user to view within theprimary chamber; a replaceable pet support pad, wherein the support padprovides a comfortable location for the pet to reside, and wherein thesupport pad includes absorbent material capable to absorb odors andallergens from the pet; and wherein the animal transport apparatus isworn on the user's body; placing an animal into the animal transportapparatus; and boarding a vehicle of mass transit.
 20. The method ofclaim 19 wherein the vehicle of mass transit comprises an airplane.